Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, has raised concerns about the Mallard Pass Solar Plant during a recent Westminster Hall Debate.

During the Westminster Hall Debate on Planning and Solar Farms last week, Alicia Kearns raised concerns about the concentration of solar developments proposed in Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, including the Mallard Pass Solar Plant.

Ms Kearns has previously spoken out about the 'human rights' atrocities' of the proposed farm, which would be the largest in the country and cover 2,175 acres - the size of 1,400 football pitches.

To ensure solar's contribution towards our push to net zero is a positive one, Alicia called upon the Government to:

• Make guidance against building energy projects on best and most versatile (BMV) land legally binding
• Urgently investigate solar developers mispresenting their applications as generating 49.9 megawatts to avoid the scrutiny of being over 50 megawatts and punish any offenders
• Follow the US and EU in blocking any solar imports made with Uyhgur forced labour
• Alicia will also be tabling a clause to the upcoming Energy Bill to ensure that we insulate our market
• from forced labour.

She also put a call out on social media for local residents to sign a petition, led by the MP, against the solar development planed for land on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border.

She posted: "If you haven't already signed my petition against Mallard Pass Solar Plant, please do contact my office at [email protected] and we would be more than happy to send you a copy.

"We all want to play our part in achieving Net Zero – but this scheme would be a disaster for our environment, biodiversity, and our very way of life.

"Together we will stop this wholly unacceptable development."